Dielectric constant (relative permittivity) – Meaning and wording check Statement: “The dielectric constant is the ability of a material to establish an electric field.” Is this wording accurate?

Introduction / Context:
Dielectric constant, more precisely relative permittivity εr, quantifies how a material responds to an applied electric field. Misstatements about “establishing” the field cause conceptual errors in capacitor design and field analysis.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Linear dielectric behavior in the frequency range of interest.
• ε = ε0 * εr, where ε0 is the permittivity of free space.
• We compare wording with accepted definitions.

Concept / Approach:

A dielectric does not “establish” an electric field; external charges or applied voltages establish the field. The dielectric constant measures the material’s ability to permit electric field (permittivity) and to polarize, thereby affecting electric flux density D = εE and stored electric energy. Higher εr means more capacitance for the same geometry and voltage, because more charge is stored per volt.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Boundary conditions and Gauss’s law show that in materials with higher ε, the same applied voltage results in greater stored charge, consistent with “permittivity,” not field creation.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Claims restricted to vacuum, conductors, or DC-only misconstrue εr. While εr can be frequency-dependent, the definition itself is not limited to DC.

Common Pitfalls:

Equating high εr with stronger internal fields (often the opposite occurs due to polarization); confusing D, E, and polarization P vectors.

Final Answer:

False.